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Defence has established the Defence Fuel Qualification Centre to help test, certify and accelerate the adoption of the next generation of fuels for fighter jets, warships and logistics vehicles.
Created by the Defence Energy Transition Office, Joint Logistics Command, in partnership with the Defence Science and Technology Group, the centre will become Australia’s national hub for assessing low-carbon liquid fuels, including sustainable aviation fuel and renewable diesel.
The DFQC is expected to strengthen Australia’s ability to qualify and adopt new fuel technologies domestically, reducing vulnerabilities in critical supply chains.
Until now, Australian companies have often relied on overseas facilities to undertake specialised fuel testing and certification, creating additional time, cost and complexity in the qualification process.
Director Defence Energy Transition Office Colonel Jason Ingham said it was an important milestone in Defence’s 15-year exploration of future fuels, driven by three closely linked priorities: fuel security, operational capability and emissions reduction.
“The centre gives us the ability to assess and certify new fuel technologies here in Australia, helping ensure Defence can access the reliable and resilient fuel supplies needed to support operations,” COL Ingham said.
“The DFQC brings that capability home, reducing dependence on international providers and helping strengthen Australia’s sovereign capability.
“These trials have shown that ‘drop-in’ fuels can be used in existing aircraft, ships and vehicles while maintaining the performance and reliability required for operations.
“This makes them a practical solution for sectors such as aviation and Defence, where large-scale electrification is not yet viable.”
The facility will also provide testing, analysis and certification support to industry, free of charge, helping to reduce the time and cost required to validate new fuels and accelerate the development of Australia’s renewable fuels sector.
Sustainable aviation fuel has already been trialled at RAAF Base East Sale while renewable diesel has been used during naval operations across the Pacific, and both fuels have been deployed during Exercise Talisman Sabre and other activities.
The DFQC will combine Defence, industry, researchers and international standards bodies to help scale renewable fuel technologies across Australia.
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